Jacobs honored by Ruritan

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Helen Jacobs accepts the Morrison Citizen of the Year Award from Mike Holland, left, and Doug Jacobs, right, during a dinner in her honor held Saturday evening at Morrison Ruritan. (Duane Sherrill photo)

Citing her tireless work for the community, Morrison Ruritan honored Helen Jacobs as its Citizen of the Year Saturday evening as she became the 29th recipient of the coveted award.

“To be a winner, you have to be something special,” said guest speaker Doug Jacobs. “And Helen is somebody special to all of us.”

The recipient is chosen each year from a field of entries and judged by a committee which looks at the candidate’s contributions. The award was created in 1975 to honor people who go above and beyond in serving the Morrison community, but it cannot be won by Ruritan members.

During his remarks, Doug Jacobs pointed out Morrison is a tight-knit community, recalling that the home of Helen Jacobs and her husband, John, was a favorite hangout of children around town, especially after they built a swimming pool.

“If you have a swimming pool, you’d be surprised how many friends you have,” Doug Jacobs laughed. “I think Helen was a momma to a lot of us.”

He continued by pointing out Mrs. Jacobs is a loyal church member and often helps the sick and shut-ins by providing food.

“She’s always willing to help, willing to go,” Doug Jacobs said.

The speaker added Mrs. Jacobs has been a great servant of Morrison Ruritan, working behind the scenes at places like the fair booth to ensure club events are a success. Her husband is a charter member of the Ruritan, joining in 1967. Since that time, Mrs. Jacobs has helped on many occasions, as well as being a driving force behind athletic programs in the community.

The Jacobs’ are parents to well-known local coaches Ann Eades and Andy Jacobs and grandparents to successful local basketball player Autumn Eades.

Joining Mrs. Jacobs in honor Saturday night was Ruritan member Vicki Messick, who was recognized as the Morrison Ruritan of the Year. The honor, which came as a surprise to its recipient, marked the third time Messick has received the award.

A special presentation was also made to the family of the late Mayor Harris C. Jacobs Jr. by state Rep. Judd Matheny. Jacobs, who served as mayor of Morrison for 33 years, was honored in a joint resolution by the state legislature.